Building blocks in place for Sunderland's new schools

13/03/2008

The building blocks are in place for Sunderland’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme following financial close.

Sunderland City Council, ICT provider RM and Balfour Beatty Construction have signed contracts worth a combined £74 million.

The £120 million programme, which will revolutionise education in Sunderland by introducing cutting edge technology to classroom and creating 21st century buildings, will create three ‘Sunderland Model’ academies - Castle View Enterpirse Academy, Hylton Red House School’s new academy and the all-age academy to replace Pennywell and Quarry View Primary schools - rebuild Washington School and refurbish Biddick School Sports College and St Robert of Newminster RC School.

Sunderland City Council will co-sponsor the three academies, Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Bob Symonds said: " Reaching financial close means the building blocks are now in place for this pioneering programme and construction work will begin soon.

" The initiative is gathering real momentum and we will continue to consult and inform schools, local residents and businesses throughout the building programme. We are looking forward to working with Balfour Beatty Construction and RM to transform the school experience for thousands of children and young people throughout the city."

The decision to appoint Balfour Beatty Construction and RM was made following months of detailed scrutiny by the council, academy lead sponsors Gentoo Group, Leighton Group and Northumbrian Water, schools and other key stakeholders.

The ICT contract is worth £16 million and will change the way over 15,000 pupils learn during its five year lifespan. In September 2009 RM will implement a managed ICT service and install state-of-the-art hardware, online professional development programmes and a shared learning platform known as a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Tim Downie, RM’s BSF Bid Director, commented: " I’m delighted that Sunderland City Council has chosen RM to be part of its ambitious BSF initiative. Of course, the hard work starts now as we move towards delivering our part of the programme. We’re committed to working with the council and Balfour Beatty Construction to make sure schools and pupils in Sunderland get the very best technology and buildings."

Kevin Donegan, Divisional Director of Balfour Beatty Construction Northern, said:

" We are delighted to be signing the design and build contract for Sunderland’s BSF programme today with our partner Sunderland City Council. The award demonstrates Balfour Beatty Construction’s continuing strength and expertise in the education sector. We look forward to delivering these first class facilities for the students and parents of Sunderland to enjoy for years to come."

Washington School will be completely rebuilt by September 2009 and Biddick School Sports College and St Robert of Newminster RC School refurbished by January 2010, while Sandhill View School will receive an ICT overhaul in September 2009.

Closing in August 2008, Pennywell School and Quarry View Primary School will operate as one all-age academy from existing buildings for 12 months. During this time, the new Gentoo Group-sponsored academy will be built on the Pennywell site and will open its doors in September 2009.

Castle View School and Hylton Red House School will close in August 2009 and re-open in September 2009 as two separate academies sponsored by Northumbrian Water and Leighton Group respectively; both will be largely new build with some refurbishment.

Visit www.sunderland-bsf.org.uk for further information.